TICKETS to see one of the greatest circus troupes in the world cost just 15p... unfortunately, that's for a performance in China!

But now The Chinese State Circus is rolling into town, and with a mere 128,000,000 performances in its 2,500-year history under its belt, it certainly has had plenty of time to get its act together.

From Qin to Han to Song to Yuan to ming dynasties... the one constant cultural thread in China has been a devotion to the acrobatic arts.

And the Chinese State Circus is no exception, arriving with a brand new troupe of 30 of China's finest performers.

There's a teetering tower of chairs with seven performers balanced on top; the Guinness world record holding Gao twins balancing head to head on top of each other whilst spinning plates on sticks; in addition to back-flipping acrobats

Further spice is added by knotted contortionists, a dizzying succession of gymnasts catapulted from springboards and spiralling into the air, a breath-taking pole jumping routine, huge dancing diablos, a cavalcade of Kung Fu and an extravagant, lusciously set and costumed performance of the Lion Dance.

The troupe is led by English speaking guru and trainer My Tia Wong and as befits such a special production, it has won a whole host of national and international awards, including top honours in Monte Carlo and Moscow... all a long way from home, a corner of Zheng Zhou province, beside the 5,464 km Yellow River, regarded as the birthplace of civilisation and certainly the birthplace of The Chinese State Circus.

The Chinese State Circus is currently performing at the Showground at Withybush, Haverfordwest. The last two days are today (Friday) - with performances at 5 and 8 pm - and tomorrow (Saturday) - with performances at 2 and 5 pm. Call the box office on 07030 190190.